Zermatt: The World's First Auro Aerial Tramway Is In Operation
The new Zermatt - Furi aerial tramway has started operating just in time for the winter season. The modern cabins with space for 100 people float over the end of the village of Zermatt towards Furi and offer a unique view of the Matterhorn.
In mid-June 2022, the old Zermatt - Furi aerial tramway was dismantled after almost 60 years in service with Zermatt Bergbahnen and construction work on the replacement system began. Today, around a year and a half later, the new aerial tram has started operating. In collaboration with the cable car manufacturer Garaventa, the limited space was used optimally and the technical challenges were mastered with a lot of know-how. Construction work on the valley station building continues. At the beginning of December, the cash registers will be integrated there and ski depots will be available for guests. The upper floors - where new office space for the Zermatt Bergbahnen administration will be built - are expected to be completed over the course of the winter.
Guest safety as top priority
A cable car with a federal license requires an operating license from the Federal Office of Transport. This process involves various tests and simulations of possible scenarios. Safety and rescue exercises have been simulated repeatedly over the last few weeks, with the evacuation concept using vertical abseiling also being practiced. A rescue operation was also carried out in the dark. Another point in the approval process is compliance with the Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act, which has been successfully implemented. After one and a half years of continuous use, the parallel Matterhorn Express will be overhauled starting today in order to be in operation again during the Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening.
The first AURO aerial tramway in the world
AURO stands for “Autonomous Ropeway Operation” and is characterized by its operatorless operation. Digitalization is being promoted and optimized in all areas. Thanks to intelligent and networked technology, this product can provide the highest level of security. Thanks to numerous cameras and sensors, the system can be controlled from a command center and railway personnel can be deployed in other areas. The Zermatt Bergbahnen already relied on this technical progress with the Kumme gondola in December 2020 and can look back on a successful implementation. The Zermatt - Furi system is a world first among aerial tramways
